Printing system, image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus capable of being connected to a network via a print server updates media data in response to a modification operation for modification of the media data, and starts a recording of the updating of the media data when the print server is in a power saving state. Then, the print server transmits to the print server, in a case where the updating of the media data has been recorded when a notification that the print server returned from the power saving state is received, the updated media data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a printing system, an image formingapparatus, a method of controlling the same, and a storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

As in a lot of electronic products, there is a need for power saving inprinting apparatuses such as printers. More specifically, configurationis taken so as to, as much as possible, not consume power pointlessly bycausing the printing apparatus to shift to a sleep state (a power savingstate) in a case where the printing apparatus has not been used for apredetermined interval. This the same in a case where a print server isconnected to the printing apparatus, and there is a need for reducingpower consumption by putting the printing apparatus into the sleep stateunder a condition in which the printing apparatus has not been used fora predetermined interval.

Also, the printing apparatus registers information of many kinds ofpaper in a database of the printing apparatus, assigns the registeredinformation of paper to a paper feed cassette, and in a case where apaper is fed from the paper feed cassette, determines printingconditions based on the information of the paper assigned to the paperfeed cassette, and prints. Also in a case where the print server isconnected to the printing apparatus, the database of the information ofthe paper is similarly provided in the print server.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-9980, a technique is disclosed inwhich a notification about whether or not information of paper used fora job held in a printing apparatus is set to a paper feed cassette, andwhether or not the paper is housed in the paper feed cassette, is madebased on the information of paper designated by the job and informationof paper assigned to the paper feed cassette. However, in a case wherethis function is included in the print server, the following problemarises.

The print server determines whether or not the paper required forexecuting the job is set to the paper feed cassette in a printingapparatus by comparing the information of the paper designated by thejob with the information of the paper database in the print server.However, when the print server is in the power saving state, if theinformation of the paper in the paper database in the printing apparatusis overwritten, the print server cannot know that this happened. Forthis reason, when the print server returns from the power saving stateto a normal state (wake-up state), a user is notified that a paperrequired for execution of a job exists, even if the information of paperof the printing apparatus is modified and the job has becomeunexecutable, because it is determined whether or not the paper requiredfor the execution of the job is set based on the information of thepaper database in the print server.

In such a case, upon execution of the job by the printing apparatus, itis determined that the information of the paper designated by the jobdoes not match with the information of the paper set to the paper feedcassette of the printing apparatus, and an error will be reported to theuser. In this way, during the power saving state of the print server, ina case where the information of the paper in a print sheet database ofthe printing apparatus is overwritten, a user cannot confirm whether ornot the paper required for the printing apparatus is set until the pointin time when the printing apparatus executes the job.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentionedproblems with conventional technology.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a technique by which itis possible to synchronize media data of a print server and media dataof an image forming apparatus even in a case where the media data of theimage forming apparatus is updated while the print server is in apower-saving state.

The present invention in its first aspect provides an image formingapparatus capable of being connected to a network via a print server,the image forming apparatus comprising: an update unit configured toupdate media data in response to a modification operation formodification of the media data; a starting unit configured to start arecording of the updating of the media data by the update unit when theprint server is in a power saving state; and a transmission unitconfigured to transmit to the print server, in a case where the updatingof the media data by the update unit has been recorded when anotification that the print server returned from the power saving stateis received, the updated media data.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a view for showing a configuration of an overview of aprinting system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of anexternal image processing controller according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining software modules of theexternal image processing controller according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of animage forming apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining software modules of the imageforming apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a view for explaining an operation sequence in a casewhere only the external image processing controller according toembodiments enters a sleep state, and a media library of the imageforming apparatus is modified during the sleep state.

FIG. 7 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a list of hold jobsdisplayed by the external image processing controller according toembodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a view for explaining an operation sequence in a casewhere the image forming apparatus also shifts to the sleep state duringthe sleep state of the external image processing controller.

FIG. 9 depicts a view for explaining a sequence for solving a problem ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts a view for explaining an operation sequence forexplaining another example in which the external image processingcontroller and the image forming apparatus according to embodimentsshift to the sleep state.

FIG. 11 depicts a view for explaining an operation sequence forexplaining further another example in which the external imageprocessing controller and the image forming apparatus according toembodiments shift to sleep state.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing processing of a media libraryprocessing module of the image forming apparatus according toembodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a view for explaining a media library recording flagaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module of the external image processing controller accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module of the image forming apparatus according toembodiments.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module of the image forming apparatus according toembodiments.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module of the image forming apparatus according toembodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafterin detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to beunderstood that the following embodiments is not intended to limit theclaims of the present invention, and that not all of the combinations ofthe aspects that are described according to the following embodimentsare necessarily required with respect to the means to solve the problemsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a view for showing a configuration of an overview of aprinting system according to embodiments of present invention.

An external image processing controller 101 is a print server connectedbetween a network 104 and an image forming apparatus 102. The imageforming apparatus 102, in combination with the external image processingcontroller 101, is comprised in a single image forming system. A PCclient 103 is connected to the network 104, and performs, towards theimage forming system comprising the external image processing controller101 and the image forming apparatus 102, a print instruction, aninputting of a job to be held, and a confirmation of job list, or thelike, via the network 104. The network 104 is a network connecting theexternal image processing controller 101 and the PC client 103, and is anetwork realizing a LAN connection such as, for example, an Ethernet™network. A network 105 is a network connecting the external imageprocessing controller 101 and the image forming apparatus 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of theexternal image processing controller 101 according to embodiments.

The external image processing controller (a DFE: a Digital Front End)101 comprises a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD 204, a powersupply controller 205, a power supply unit 206, a power plug 207, a mainpower switch 208, an external display I/F 209, a keyboard I/F 210, a PD(a pointing device) interface 211, and LAN I/Fs 212 and 213.

The external image processing controller 101 is able to communicate withthe PC client 103 by connecting to the network 104 via the LAN I/F 212.The external image processing controller 101 is able to receive awake-up instruction or a print job from the PC client 103. Also, the LANI/F 212 is connected to an internal bus 225, and is able to notify thepower supply controller 205 of a print instruction from the PC client103. With this, it is possible for the external image processingcontroller 101 to recover from a power saving state to a normal powerstate (wake-up state). Additionally, the external image processingcontroller 101 connects to the network 105 via the LAN I/F 213,communicates with the image forming apparatus 102, and can make awake-up instruction or a print instruction to the image formingapparatus 102. Conversely, the LAN I/F 213 is able to notify the powersupply controller 205 of the activation instruction when the LAN I/F 213receives a wake-up instruction from the image forming apparatus 102 viathe network 105. With this, it is possible for the external imageprocessing controller 101 to recover from the power saving state to thewake-up state.

The power supply controller 205 connects to the internal bus 225, andconnects to the main power switch 208 via a main power switch line 222.The power supply controller 205 controls, upon a wake-up instructionfrom the LAN I/Fs 212 and 213, via a power supply unit control line 221so that the power supply unit 206 supplies electric power to a mainpower supply line 223. Also, when a pressing of the main power switch208 by a user is detected, it is possible to activate a power supplyfrom the power supply unit 206 to the main power supply line 223.

The power supply unit 206 converts alternating-current power supplysupplied from the power plug 207 into a direct-current voltage andsupplies the direct-current voltage to the standby power supply line 224and the main power supply line 223. The standby power supply line 224 isa power supply line that supplies continuous electric power to the LANI/Fs 212 and 213. Here, continuous electric power is supplied to the LANI/Fs 212 and 213 and the power supply controller 205 in order that theLAN I/Fs 212 and 213 be able to receive the activation instruction fromthe networks 104 and 105 at any time. The main power supply line 223 isa main power supply line whose power supply is controlled by aninstruction from the power supply controller 205. The internal bus 225is comprised of, for example, a PCI bus, or the like, and is used fordata communication between the modules.

A display unit 214 is a display for displaying a message to a user,operating state, or the like. A keyboard 215 is operated by a user andused for inputting various information. A pointing device (PD) 216 isused for a movement of a cursor, or the like, on the display unit 214,for various instructions, or the like. Note that a touch panel, or thelike, for example, may be used in place of the display unit 214, thekeyboard 215, and the PD 216.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining software modules of theexternal image processing controller 101 according to embodiments.Programs realizing each software module in FIG. 3 are stored in the HDD204, and deployed into the RAM 203, and executed by the CPU 201 upon theexecution.

An OS 321 is an OS (operating system) which is base software of theexternal image processing controller 101. A print server application 301is application software that operates on the OS 321 and is executed bythe CPU 201. The print server application 301 comprises a composing editmodule 311, a job control module 312, a RIP module 313, and a medialibrary processing module 314.

The composing edit module 311 performs composing editing processing forediting image data of each page into a composing format for bookbindingbased on an instruction from the PC client 103. The job control module312 controls a print job based on an instruction from the PC client 103.More specifically, the job control module 312 controls the reception ofprint data or a hold job from the PC client 103, the execution sequenceof jobs, or the like. The RIP (raster image) processing unit 313 iscalled in a case of composing by the composing edit module 311 or ofperforming image formation process in the job control module 312, andconverts a page description language (PDL) into a raster image forprinting. The media library processing module 314 stores paperinformation (media data). Also, media library data synchronizationprocessing for synchronization with a media library processing module507 (FIG. 5) of the image forming apparatus 102 explained later isperformed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing a hardware configuration of theimage forming apparatus 102 according to embodiments.

A control unit 401 connects to a scanner 416 for scanning an image of adocument, or the like, and inputting image data, and a printer 417.Also, communication with the external image processing controller 101 isperformed via the network 105. Input and output of image information ordevice information are also performed.

A CPU 402 controls the image forming apparatus 102 on the whole. A RAM403 is a system work memory used when the CPU 402 operates, and is animage memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 407 is a boot ROMand stores a boot program of the image forming apparatus 102. A memory408 is a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores system software or applicationsoftware shown in FIG. 5, image data, or the like. Print jobs includinga print job received from the PC client 103 or the external imageprocessing controller 101 are stored in an image data storage area inthe memory 408. A console unit interface 404 is an interface unit for aconsole unit 405 that outputs image data to be displayed on the consoleunit 405, and transmits information that a user inputs via the consoleunit 405 to the CPU 402. For example, a user can modify paperinformation for the paper housed in a sheet feeding cassette of theprinter 417, or modify a media library in the image forming apparatus102, using the console unit 405.

A network I/F 406 is connected to the network 105, and performs inputand output of information via the network 105. An image bus I/F 409 is abus bridge for converting a data configuration, and is connected betweena system bus 418 and an image bus 419 for transferring image data athigh speed. The image bus 419 is a PCI bus or an IEEE 1394 bus. A rasterimage processor (RIP) 411, a device I/F 412, a scanner image processor413, a printer image processor 414, an image rotation unit 415, and animage compression and decompression unit (CODEC) 410 are arranged in theimage bus 419. The RIP 411 expands a PDL code into a bitmap image. Thedevice I/F 412 connects the scanner 416 and the printer 417 and thecontrol unit 401. The scanner image processor 413 performs correction,processing, and editing of image data input from the scanner 416. Theprinter image processor 414 performs a correction, resolutiontransformation, or the like to image data output to the printer 417. Theimage rotation unit 415 performs a rotation of image data. An imagecompression and decompression unit 410 converts multi-valued image datato JPEG, and performs compression/decompression processing of JBIG, MMR,or MH for binary image data.

A power supply controller 420 connects to the internal bus 418, andconnects to a main power switch 424 via a main power switch line 423,and can detect a pressing of the main power switch 424 by a user. Thepower supply controller 420 can control a power supply unit 421 via apower supply unit control line 426 and activate a power supply to a mainpower supply line 425, based on a wake-up notification from the mainpower switch 424. The power supply unit 421 generates a direct-currentvoltage and current used in the apparatus using alternating-currentpower supply supplied from a power plug 422. The electric power issupplied to each of the above described units via a sleep power supplyline 427 and the main power supply line 425. The sleep power supply line427 is a power supply line to which continuous electric power issupplied. In order to make the image forming apparatus 102 in the powersaving state (sleep state) capable of receiving a wake-up instructionfrom the external image processing controller 101 via the network 105,continuous electric power is supplied to the network I/F 406 and thepower supply controller 420. The main power supply line 425 is a mainpower supply line and its power supply is controlled by an instructionfrom the power supply controller 420.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining software modules of the imageforming apparatus 102 according to embodiments. Programs for executingthese software modules are stored in the memory 408, and these functionscorresponding to the modules are realized by deploying the programs intothe RAM 403 and by the CPU 402 executing the programs.

A scan function module 502 scans a paper document using the scanner 416,generates image data, and converts the image data into binary ormulti-valued image data. A print function module 503 outputs image dataobtained by the scan function module 502 to the printer 417, attaching acommand towards the printer 417. A job control module 504 performsqueuing the image data received from the scan function module 502functioning as a print job. The job control module 504 also queues printjobs that a network function module 505 receives, and outputs towardsthe print function module 503 or to the later explained network functionmodule 505. The network function module 505 has various network protocolfunctions such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, LDAP, SNMP, SMTP, SSL, SMB, or thelike. The network function module 505 receives a print job from theexternal image processing controller 101 via the network I/F 406. A userinterface (UI) function module 506 manages input and output by a usermade via the console unit 405. Additionally, the user interface functionmodule 506 displays an input field, an output message field, or thelike, on the console unit 405, receives an input value for the inputfield from a user and makes a notification to other functional modules.Also, a function, which displays a message for a user from anotherfunctional module on a screen designed in advance, is comprised.Additionally, a function which displays a screen for modifying the medialibrary, or for modifying a sheet setting of the sheet feeding cassetteis comprised. A media library processing module 507 manages the paperinformation of the image forming apparatus 102, and performs managementof the media library and synchronization processing of the media libraryinformation with the cooperating external image processing controller101.

FIG. 6 depicts a view for showing an operation sequence for a case whereonly the external image processing controller 101 according toembodiments enters the sleep state, and while the external imageprocessing controller 101 is in the sleep state, a user modifies themedia library with the image forming apparatus 102.

Reference numeral 601 denotes the external image processing controller101 being in a wake-up state, and reference numeral 602 denotes theexternal image processing controller 101 being in the sleep state.Similarly, reference numeral 603 denotes the image forming apparatus 102being in the wake-up state, and reference numeral 604 denotes the imageforming apparatus 102 being in the sleep state. A solid line portiondenotes a power supply state of the external image processing controller101 and the image forming apparatus 102 respectively. For example,reference numeral 614 denotes the external image processing controller101 being in the sleep state.

Firstly, at a timing 605, the external image processing controller 101shifts into the sleep state. The reason for the shift into the sleepstate is that the external image processing controller 101 does notreceive a job from the PC client 103 for a predetermined fixed periodsuch as 5 minutes, for example. In such a case, shifting into the sleepstate (a power saving state) is performed automatically for powersavings. Here, the external image processing controller 101, prior toshifting into the sleep state at reference numeral 606, notifies theimage forming apparatus 102 that the external image processingcontroller 101 shifts into the sleep state.

With this, the image forming apparatus 102 shifts into a state in whichthe external image processing controller 101 is in the sleep state andmedia library modification processing is recorded on the image formingapparatus 102, when the notification is received (a bold line 608denotes the recording state). This processing will be explained laterwith reference to FIG. 12. At a timing 609, a user performs an operationfor modifying the media library of the image forming apparatus 102 viathe console unit 405 of the image forming apparatus 102. This is, forexample, an operation for modifying a sheet weight of media A. Thismodification recording method will be explained later with reference toFIG. 15.

Next, at a timing 610, the external image processing controller 101recovers to the wake-up state from the sleep state. A specific reasonfor this is that a wake-up notification is received from the PC client103, or the like. With this, the external image processing controller101, at reference numeral 611, notifies the image forming apparatus 102that the external image processing controller 101 recovers from thesleep state. With this, the image forming apparatus 102 determineswhether or not the media library of the image forming apparatus 102 hasbeen modified while the external image processing controller 101 was inthe sleep state based on the wake-up notification. If the media libraryof the image forming apparatus 102 has been modified, the image formingapparatus 102 notifies the external image processing controller 101 ofthe modification at reference numeral 612. This processing will beexplained later with reference to FIG. 12. The external image processingcontroller 101, at reference numeral 612, receives the notification ofthe modification of the media library, and updates information of themedia library of the external image processing controller 101. Also, ifa hold job of the external image processing controller 101 is a job thatuses the modified media, a media mismatch flag is set for the hold job.This processing will be explained later with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 7 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a list of hold jobsdisplayed by the external image processing controller 101 according toembodiments.

In FIG. 7, “Agenda-Aug-12-2012” for which a job number is “2”, and“reference-card-ver1” for which a job number is “4” use the media Awhich is media data that is modified during the sleep state. For thisreason, the media mismatch flag is set for these jobs, and it isdisplayed that a media mismatch occurs for these jobs as shown by icons701 and 702 of the job list. With this, a user can recognize that themedia mismatch occurs for these hold jobs.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for a case where the image formingapparatus 102 also shifts to the sleep state during the sleep state ofthe external image processing controller 101. Note that portions commonto the previously described FIG. 6 are shown with the same referencenumerals, and explanation is omitted.

Here, after the media library of the image forming apparatus 102 hasbeen modified at reference numeral 609, the image forming apparatus 102shifts to the sleep state at a timing 801. Then, at a timing 802, theexternal image processing controller 101 recovers from the sleep state.However, because the image forming apparatus 102 is in the sleep stateat this time, the image forming apparatus 102 is not able to notify theexternal image processing controller 101 that the media library has beenmodified. For this reason, in such a case, an inconsistency occursbetween the media library of the external image processing controller101 and the media library of the image forming apparatus 102.

FIG. 9 depicts a view for explaining a sequence for solving a problem ofFIG. 8. Note that in FIG. 9, the processing is the same as that of FIG.8 up until the timing 609.

Firstly, at a timing 605, the external image processing controller 101shifts into the sleep state. Here, the external image processingcontroller 101, prior to shifting into the sleep state, at referencenumeral 606, notifies the image forming apparatus 102 that the externalimage processing controller 101 shifts into the sleep state. With this,the image forming apparatus 102 turns on the media library recordingflag when the image forming apparatus 102 receives the sleep state shiftnotification, and in reference numeral 608, the image forming apparatus102 executes processing for recording media library modification. Then,at the timing 609, when a user performs a modification operation of themedia library of the image forming apparatus 102 via the console unit405 of the image forming apparatus 102, the modified information isrecorded.

Then, at a timing 901, during the external image processing controller101 is in the sleep state, the image forming apparatus 102 shifts intothe sleep state. At this time, the image forming apparatus 102 prior toshifting into the sleep state, at the timing 902, performs a wake-upnotification towards the external image processing controller 101. Thisprocessing will be explained later with reference to FIG. 16. Theexternal image processing controller 101 recovers to the wake-up stateat a timing 903 when the external image processing controller 101receives the wake-up notification. Then the image forming apparatus 102,after confirming that the external image processing controller 101 hasrecovered, notifies the external image processing controller 101 ofmedia library modification information at a timing 904. When thenotification of the media library modification information has beencompleted, the external image processing controller 101 shifts into thesleep state once again. Also, the image forming apparatus 102 shifts tothe sleep state.

After this, at a timing 905, the external image processing controller101 activates by an instruction from the PC client 103, or the like.This time is different to the case of the timing 802 of FIG. 8 becausethe external image processing controller 101 has obtained the medialibrary modification information in the image forming apparatus 102 atthe timing 903. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, mediamismatch information can be displayed, and a user can distinguish easilya hold job for which a media mismatch occurred.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining another example in whichthe external image processing controller 101 and the image formingapparatus 102 according to embodiments shift to the sleep state. Notethat parts common to the previously described drawings are indicatedwith the same reference numerals.

While the external image processing controller 101 is activated, theimage forming apparatus 102 shifts to the sleep state at a timing 1001.Here, because a flag indicating that the media library has been modifiedis not set, the media library modification notification is notperformed. Next, at a timing 1002, the external image processingcontroller 101 shifts into the sleep state. Then, at a timing 1003, theimage forming apparatus 102 wakes up due to an operation via the consoleunit 405 by a user. Here, because the image forming apparatus 102recovers during the external image processing controller 101 is in thesleep state, the media library recording flag is turned on. Details ofthis processing will be explained later with reference to FIG. 17. Afterthis, at a timing 1004, a user modifies the media library by operatingthe console unit 405.

Next, when the external image processing controller 101 recovers fromthe sleep state at a timing 1005, notification of a recovery event ismade from the external image processing controller 101 to the imageforming apparatus 102 at a timing 1006. With this, the image formingapparatus 102, at a timing 1007, transfers the modified media libraryinformation to the external image processing controller 101. With this,the external image processing controller 101 is able to displayidentifiably hold jobs for which a media mismatch occurs by displayingthe media mismatch information, as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining another example in whichthe external image processing controller 101 and the image formingapparatus 102 according to embodiments shift to the sleep state. Notethat parts common to the previously described drawings are indicatedwith the same reference numerals. Here, in addition to FIG. 10, prior tothe external image processing controller 101 recovering from the sleepstate at a timing 1105, the image forming apparatus 102, once again,shifts to the sleep state at a timing 1101. More specifically, up untilthe media library modification operation by the user at the timing 1004is the same as FIG. 10, but after the timing 1101 is changed.

Similarly to the timing 901 of FIG. 9, prior to the image formingapparatus 102 itself shifting into the sleep state at the timing 1101,the image forming apparatus 102 performs a wake-up notification towardsthe external image processing controller 101 at a timing 1102. When theexternal image processing controller 101 receives the wake-upnotification, the external image processing controller 101 recovers fromthe sleep state at a timing 1103. Then, after the image formingapparatus 102 confirms that the external image processing controller 101has recovered, the image forming apparatus 102 makes a notification ofthe media library modification information at a timing 1104. When thisnotification completes, the external image processing controller 101once again shifts into the sleep state. Also, the image formingapparatus 102 shifts to the sleep state here. Then, at the timing 1105,the external image processing controller 101 wakes up from the sleepstate. At the timing 1105, the external image processing controller 101is able to obtain information for which the media library has beenmodified in the image forming apparatus 102. For this reason, theexternal image processing controller 101 is able to display identifiablyhold jobs for which a media mismatch occurs by displaying the mediamismatch information, as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module 507 of the image forming apparatus 102 according toembodiments. More specifically, at the timing 611 of FIG. 6, and at thetiming 1006 of FIG. 10, processing for a case in which an eventnotification is received from the external image processing controller101 is shown. Note that the program executing this processing is storedin the memory 408, is deployed into the RAM 403 upon execution, and isexecuted under the control of the CPU 402.

In step S1201, the CPU 402 receives an event from the external imageprocessing controller 101. More specifically, an event packet isreceived via the network I/F 406. Next, the processing proceeds to stepS1202, and the CPU 402 determines the type of the event received in stepS1201. Here, if it is determined that the notification is that theexternal image processing controller 101 shifted from the wake-up stateto the sleep state, the processing proceeds to step S1203, the CPU 402turns on the media library recording flag in the RAM 403, and theprocessing completes.

FIG. 13 depicts a view for explaining the media library recording flagaccording to embodiments.

The media library recording flag 1301 takes ON and OFF states, and acase in which the media library recording flag 1301 is ON, as shown inreference numeral 1301 of FIG. 13, represents the state where the medialibrary recording flag 1301 is turned on in step S1203. Here because theexternal image processing controller 101 shifts to the sleep state, thisflag is for instructing that media library modifications be recordedduring the sleep state of the external image processing controller 101.

Meanwhile, in a case of a notification that the external imageprocessing controller 101 shifts from the sleep state to the wake-upstate in step S1202, the processing proceeds to step S1204, and the CPU402 confirms the media library modification information stored in theRAM 403. If, in step S1204, any of the media data is modified, the CPU402 advances the processing to step S1205, and if none of the media datais modified, the process is terminated. In step S1205, the CPU 402notifies the external image processing controller 101 of the media forwhich the media library item has been modified during the external imageprocessing controller 101 was in the sleep state.

For example, as in a table 1302 of FIG. 13, the media library is managedin the RAM 403. As shown by reference numeral 1303, “exists/does notexist” of a modification for each medium is recorded. In the example ofFIG. 13, the data of the media A (Media A) was modified while theexternal image processing controller 101 was in the sleep state.Accordingly, the CPU 402 notifies the external image processingcontroller 101 that the data of the media A has been modified.

Next, the processing proceeds to step S1206, and the CPU 402 changes themodification “exists” of the media library item, stored in the RAM 403,for which the notification was made in step S1205 to “does not exist”.For example, in the example of FIG. 13, modification information 1302 ofthe media A is changed from “exists” to “does not exist”. Then, theprocessing proceeds to step S1207, the CPU 402 turns off the medialibrary recording flag 1301 stored in the RAM 403, and the processingcompletes.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module 314 of the external image processing controller 101according to embodiments. This processing is realized by deploying aprogram stored in the HDD 204 of the external image processingcontroller 101 into the RAM 203, and the CPU 201 executing that program.

Firstly, in step S1401, the CPU 201 receives the media librarymodification notification from the image forming apparatus 102. Morespecifically, in the example of FIG. 13, for example, because the dataof the media A is modified, the modification notification, thatindicates that the media data of the media A is modified, is received.Next, the processing proceeds to step S1402, and the CPU 201 determineswhether or not there is a job that uses the media indicated in thenotification received in step S1401 in the hold jobs, and if there issuch a job, the processing proceeds to step S1403, and if there is nosuch job, the processing completes. In step S1403, the CPU 201 sets themedia mismatch flag in the RAM 203 for the hold jobs that use the mediafor which the media data is modified in step S1402, and the processingcompletes.

In this way, in a case where the media mismatch flag is set, and whenthe list of hold jobs is displayed, it is possible to present to a userthat the media mismatch occurred for corresponding hold jobs as inreference numerals 701 and 702 in FIG. 7, for example.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module 507 of the image forming apparatus 102 according toembodiments. Specifically, processing is shown for a case where, at thetiming 609 of FIG. 6 or the timing 1004 of FIG. 10, a user, using theconsole unit 405, the media library of the image forming apparatus 102is modified. Note that the program executing this processing is storedin the memory 408, is deployed into the RAM 403 upon execution, and isexecuted under the control of the CPU 402.

Firstly, in step S1501, the CPU 402 modifies the attribute informationof the media library of the image forming apparatus 102. Morespecifically, attributes such as the media library weight and size shownin reference numeral 1302 of FIG. 13 are modified. Next, the processingproceeds to step S1502, and the CPU 402 determines whether or not themedia library recording flag 1301 recorded in the RAM 403 is ON. When itis determined that this flag is ON here, the processing proceeds to stepS1503 because it is necessary to record the modification, and so the CPU402 records that there is a modification on the media for which themedia data is modified, and the processing completes. With this, forexample, the “exists/does not exist” of the modification of the media Aof FIG. 13 is modified to be “exists”. Meanwhile, in step S1502, if themedia library recording flag 1301 is OFF, the processing completes as isbecause it is not necessary to record the modification information.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module 507 of the image forming apparatus 102 according toembodiments. Specifically, explanation will be given processing for acase where the image forming apparatus 102 shifts from the wake-up stateto the sleep state as is the case at the timing 901 of FIG. 9 and thetiming 1101 of FIG. 11. Note that the program executing this processingis stored in the memory 408, is deployed into the RAM 403 uponexecution, and is executed under the control of the CPU 402.

Firstly, the CPU 402, in step S1601, determines whether or not there iseven one modification of an attribute of the media library of the imageforming apparatus 102. More specifically, it is determined whether ornot attribute information was modified in the media library of the tableof FIG. 13. Here, when even one attribute is modified, the processingproceeds to step S1602, and otherwise the processing completes.

In step S1602, the CPU 402 determines whether or not the external imageprocessing controller 101 is in the sleep state. More specifically, itis determined whether or not the external image processing controller101 is in the sleep state by trying communication with the externalimage processing controller 101 via the network I/F 406. If it isdetermined that the external image processing controller 101 is in thesleep state, the processing proceeds to step S1603, and the externalimage processing controller 101 is caused to wake up by transmitting awake-up notification to the external image processing controller 101,and then the processing proceeds to step S1604. More specifically, theexternal image processing controller 101 is caused to wake up bytransmitting a wake-up instruction packet to the external imageprocessing controller 101 via the network I/F 406, and waiting until thewake-up of the external image processing controller 101 completes. Also,if it is determined that the external image processing controller 101 iswaked up in step S1602, the CPU 402 advances the processing to stepS1604.

In step S1604, the CPU 402 notifies the external image processingcontroller 101 of the name of the media, found in step S1601, for whichthe media library was modified. This processing is the same processingas that of step S1205 of FIG. 12. Then, the processing proceeds to stepS1605, and the CPU 402 returns the modification information of the medialibrary item to “does not exist” for each of the media for whichnotification was made in step S1604. This processing is the sameprocessing as that of step S1206 of FIG. 12. Then, the processingproceeds to step S1606, and the CPU 402 makes an instruction towards theexternal image processing controller 101 so that the external imageprocessing controller 101 shifts to the sleep state because the medialibrary modification notification has completed. More specifically, theCPU 402 causes the external image processing controller 101 to shift tothe sleep state by transmitting a sleep instruction packet to theexternal image processing controller 101 via the network I/F 406. Thenthe CPU 402 causes the image forming apparatus 101 to shift into thesleep state, and the processing completes.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing processing of the media libraryprocessing module 507 of the image forming apparatus 102 according toembodiments. Specifically, processing for a case in which the imageforming apparatus 102 shifts from the sleep state to the wake-up state,as in the timing 1003 of FIG. 10, is illustrated. Note that the programexecuting this processing is stored in the memory 408, is deployed intothe RAM 403 upon execution, and is executed under the control of the CPU402.

Firstly, the CPU 402, as wake-up processing, determines whether or notthe external image processing controller 101 is in the sleep state instep S1701. This processing is the same processing as that of step S1602of FIG. 16. Here, in a case where it is determined that the externalimage processing controller 101 is in the sleep state, the processingproceeds to step S1702, and in a case where it is determined that theexternal image processing controller 101 is waked up, the process isterminated. In step S1702, the CPU 402 sets the media library recordingflag 1301 in the RAM 403 to “ON”. This processing is the same processingas that of step S1203 of FIG. 12.

With this, the media library modification made on the image formingapparatus 102 can be recorded while the external image processingcontroller 101 is in the sleep state. Then, after this, when theexternal image processing controller 101 wakes up, the external imageprocessing controller 101 can be notified of the media mismatch.

Note that in the above described embodiments, an example is shown inwhich the media library information on the image forming apparatus 102is modified, but configuration may also be taken for a case where paperof the sheet feeding cassettes of the image forming apparatus 102 ischanged. More specifically, it is possible to adapt to a case in whichthe paper information for each sheet feeding cassette is changed inplace of the media library information of FIG. 13. In such a case,instead of notifying of the media library modification in referencenumeral 612 of FIG. 6, the external image processing controller 101 isnotified of the sheet feeding cassette in which a paper is changed. Withthis, it is possible to make a notification for a media mismatch of ahold job for which the sheet feeding cassette is changed out of the holdjobs.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2013-214138, filed Oct. 11, 2013, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1.-10. (canceled)
 11. A printing apparatus which is able to communicatewith a print server, the printing apparatus comprising: a changing unitconfigured to change data based on a user operation; a receiving unitconfigured to receive a notification indicating that the print serverreturns from a power saving mode; and a transmission unit configured totransmit, to the print server based on the notification received by thereceiving unit, data which has been changed by the changing unit whilethe print server is in the power saving mode.
 12. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein the receiving unit further receivesanother notification indicating that the print server has shifted to thepower saving mode, wherein the transmission unit transmits, inaccordance with the notification received by the receiving unit, to theprint server data which has been changed by the changing unit afterreceiving the another notification and before receiving thenotification.
 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, furthercomprising: an operation unit configured to receive a user operation;wherein the changing unit changes the data based on the user operationreceived by the operation unit.
 14. The printing apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the data changed by the changing unit is media data.15. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: amedia storage unit configured to store media, wherein the data changedby the changing unit is media data set for the media storage unit. 16.The printing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: aprinting unit configured to perform printing.
 17. A printing apparatuswhich is able to communicate with a print server, the printing apparatuscomprising: a changing unit configured to change data based on a useroperation; a shifting unit configured to shift the printing apparatus toa power saving mode; and a transmission unit configured to transmit, tothe print server, based on shifting by the shifting unit, data which hasbeen changed by the changing unit while the print server is in a powersaving mode.
 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 17, furthercomprising: an operation unit configured to receive a user operation;wherein the changing unit changes the data based on the user operationreceived by the operation unit.
 19. The printing apparatus according toclaim 17, wherein the data changed by the changing unit is media data.20. The printing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: amedia storage unit configured to store media, wherein the data changedby the changing unit is media data set for the media storage unit. 21.The printing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: aprinting unit configured to perform printing.
 22. A method forcontrolling a printing apparatus which is able to communicate with aprint server, the method comprising: changing data based on a useroperation; and receiving a notification indicating that the print serverreturns from a power saving mode; transmitting, to the print serverbased on the received notification, data which has been changed whilethe print server is in the power saving mode.
 23. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium for storing a computer program forcontrolling a printing apparatus which is able to communicate with aprint server, the computer program comprising: a code to change databased on a user operation; and a code to receive a notificationindicating that the print server returns from a power saving mode; acode to transmit, to the print server based on the receivednotification, data which has been changed while the print server is inthe power saving mode.